Derringers

[Keith44]

20 some odd years ago I carried a couple of different derringers, .22 Magnum and a .22 LR. Both were fun guns, but knowing what I know now I cannot recommend a derringer as a primary CCW. A 45 or 38 caliber as a deep concealment second back up maybe, but not as a primary weapon. I'd rather just have a knife. You're gonna be that close anyway, and you get more opportunities with the knife than the two shot derringer.

 

[suckersrus]

I carried a HS .22 mag as my "Onion Field" gun. ....
If the Onion Field reference is obscure to you, get a copy of Joe Wambaugh's book of the same name. Unlike most of his stuff, it is non-fiction.

Buford, thanks for the term I was struggling so hard to find.

I have spent lots of time and money on guns and training and carry a full-size gun every day.
My wife will tell you I can frequently be heard saying, "If I can't take my gun, I ain't going."

But every so often I find I must go somewhere without my sidearm. So out come the Onion-field-guns:

They are not really derringers but 1 shot is better than none and 5 shots can come in pretty darned handy.
The NAA has killed several critters including a deer that was injured by a car.

 

[Buford57]

Quote:

Other "wallet holster" that reveal grips, or reveal slides on small pistols, do not fall within the purview of the ATF restriction. If the gun is totally invisible, for all intents and purposes, as it is when fully enclosed in that Galco holster, it needs the $5.00 tax to be paid. End Quote


Sounds like a job for an Exacto knife.

 

[vito]

I find it amusing that while there is seemingly endless discussion about why a j-frame 38 with ONLY 5 rounds is inadequate as a carry gun, some people are obviously comfortable carrying only 2 rounds in a derringer. On another forum I was picked on for saying that my now favorite EDC is a Ruger LC9s with 8 round capacity, by folks who think anything less than about 15 round capacity is foolishly risky. Personally, if I am carrying, I see no advantage to using a 2 round, exposed hammer, wildly inaccurate firearm when in the same size I could easily carry my LCP with 7 rounds. Or in a slightly larger capacity, but still easily concealed, carry my 642 or my LC9s. Maybe derringers are nice as a novelty in one's collection, but that's about as far as I am willing to credit these impractical guns.

 

[pjpjr]

How about some opinions on using a derringer as a CCW. Either the classic style or one of the modern designs. Something about .38 cal.
I realize only 2 shots, but how do they compare in dependability with a revolver, or subcompact 9MM semi auto.
Thanks!
Steve W

I currently own and carry a Bond in (two bbls) 45/410 and 38/357. This gun is perfect for me as I use it when out on my property working. Beautifully made and utterly reliable. I most often carry the 357 bbl 2.5" as it is pretty compact but stout to fire!
Well made gun with a specific purpose for me = WIN!

 

[Gunhacker]

I notice plenty of HS derringers offered for sale on Gun Broker. They have increased in value since I acquired mine. I think I paid $200 for each of them. One seller is selling a wallet holster and included this caveat that I felt compelled to share:

Quote:
No Reserve Auction: High Standard Derringer Genuine Tan Natural Leather Wallet Holster As New. This Leather Wallet Holster Is In Excellent Condition. This Auction Is For The Leather Holster Only The Derringers Pictured Are For Illustration Purposes And Not Included In This Auction. The ATF Has Determined That A Derringer Inserted In This Wallet Holster Constitutes A Class III "Any Other Weapon" "AOW" Requiring Filing For A Special Tax Stamp And Background Check By The ATF And Certification Paper Work. The Ownership Of This Wallet Is Not Restricted, However This Wallet Is Illegal If A Gun Is Inserted Without Proper Paper Work. It Is A Violation Of Federal Law To Use This Item As A Holster To Carry A Gun Without A Federal Tax Stamp And Registration With ATF. This Is A No Reserve Auction Meaning The High Bidder Wins This Auction. You May Use "BUY NOW" Option For "Free Shipping". Answer All Questions Before Bidding. The Winning Bidder Is Required To Supply Payment Within Seven Days Of Auction Close. ATFWALHOLA2013126



Another seller is included a ******* Leather (Galco's original name) wallet holster with the derringer but he fails to mention the ATF issue - I am surprised that Gun Broker has not spotted that issue.

***GRJ***

Without seeing a pic of the holster being referred to, it can't be said whether or not it's one that is covered by NFA, or if the Seller's disclaimer is accurate.

I take any "ATF regulations" quoted in auction listings with a grain of salt unless the regulation number or a link to it is cited.

My experience as a C&R FFL holder in CA has shown me that many citations of firearm laws, are an interpretation by the seller, which is usually inaccurate. A classic example is the wholesale refusal by many FFL's to sell a C&R firearm to CA because they think they are covered by the same restrictions placed on modern firearms... not so.

Simply being a Wallet style Holster that fully encloses a firearm so it doesn't "print" does not automatically make it an NFA item.

THIS is what the BATF lists for Wallet Holsters under the NFA.... the key determining characteristic being the holster has hole to fire weapon while in the holster.

To stay on topic... I feel having a derringer is better than having nothing at all, but that's based on my years of experience of using one in Cowboy Action Shooting and feeling that I could accurately use it. But I sure didn't like relying on it solely as my primary form of CCW, I did so only until I was able to afford and find something better suited.